Wagon (Overall Quality)

Overview

The Volvo V50 is a small sport wagon with luxury features. In effect, the V50 is the wagon version of the Volvo S40 sedan. Its main competitors include the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen, Honda Accord Crosstour, and Subaru Outback. For 2010, more options are available for the base V50 model, and fuel economy is slightly improved, according to EPA estimates.

The front-wheel-drive 2010 Volvo V50 2.4i features 17-inch wheels, automatic climate control, cruise control, power accessories (including an 8-way power driver's seat), Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-speaker sound system. The all-wheel-drive V50 T5 AWD R-Design adds partial leather upholstery, a sportier exterior (including roof rails), and other enhancements. Both trims are eligible for the Climate option package, which addresses cold-weather issues, and the Preferred package, which includes a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, and a power front passenger seat. The V50 T5 offers a Multimedia option package, which upgrades the sound system. Full leather upholstery, a navigation system, bi-Xenon headlights, and other extras are offered as stand-alone options on both V50 trims. With the rear seats folded, the V50 provides 63 cubic feet of cargo space, according to Volvo.

The 2010 Volvo V50 2.4i's power plant is a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter, inline 5-cylinder engine, with 5-speed automatic transmission, that delivers 20 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. The V50 T5 features a 227-horsepower, 2.5-liter, inline 5-cylinder engine that delivers 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, or 19/27 with the optional 5-speed automatic.

Standard safety features on the 2010 Volvo V50 include anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, traction control, adjustable head restraints, front side air bags, and side curtain air bags. A blind-spot warning system is optional.

Volvo Cars brought the Hain family from Sweden to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) press preview stage in Detroit to describe their participation in the automaker’s 2017 “Autonomous” driving research pilot in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Volvo Cars recently conducted a “Future of Driving” survey of 10,000 global motorists in order to learn more about what car buyers want from autonomous driving technology, and how they expect to live with it.